Chapter V

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

a church associated with a monastery or convent

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

the superior of an abbey of monks

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

past form of “arrest” — take into custody

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

the trait of great self-denial (especially refraining from worldly pleasures)

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

plural of “bed” — a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

(plural) the lay members of a male religious order

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

a natural or artificial enclosed space

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

abstaining from sexual relations (as because of religious vows)

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

last of the seven canonical hours just before retiring

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

look down on with disdain

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

Fluent, persuasive, and graceful speaking or writing. (Sự hùng biện, tài ăn nói lưu loát.)

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

to come or go into

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

past form of “knock” — deliver a sharp blow or push

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

plural of “lad” — a boy or man

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

characteristic of those who are not members of the clergy

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

immediately past

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

the act of departing

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

past form of “lodge” — be a lodger; stay temporarily

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

temporary living quarters

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

a person who carries a message

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

used to form the superlative

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

not one, and not any

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

an announcement containing information about an event

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

be obedient to

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

above and across; more than

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

plural of “portrait” — a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

third-person singular of “require” — require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

not arrogant or presuming

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

inflected form of “sleep” — be asleep

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

a soiled or discolored appearance

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

high level of respect gained by impressive development or achievement

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

a request to be present

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

plural of “taste” — the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

-ing form of “thread” — to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

an old word for “your”, speaking to one person

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

not usual or common or ordinary

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Threading various passages, they reached the Abbot’s lodgings, and there the messenger knocked and retired, leaving Cuthbert to obey the summons, “_Enter_.”

impressive by reason of age

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

wanting in physical strength

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

at the time that

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

during the time that

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

flesh of a cod-like fish of the Atlantic waters of Europe

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading _THE SECRET CHAMBER._ The Compline service was over, and the lads, many of whom slept in the abbey, while others lodged in the town, were retiring to their beds, when a lay brother arrested Cuthbert’s progress, and said in a low voice, “The Abbot requires thy presence.”

a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air

From this reading Richard Whiting, the last of that long line of mitred Abbots, sat near the window of his study, which was a plainly furnished room, simple as the personal tastes of the Abbot.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading Somewhat startled,--for the summons was an unusual one at that hour, although he often acted in turn with other lads as a page-in-waiting on the Abbot, an office none would then despise,--Cuthbert followed the laic.

but in spite of that

From this reading He was now but a weak and infirm old man, yet of many good brethren the best;--“small in stature, in figure venerable, in countenance dignified, in manner most modest, in eloquence most sweet, in chastity without stain; not without that austerity of expression which we often notice in the portraits of these great mediæval ecclesiastics.”